NCAA Namibia’s Aviation Leadership

The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was recently recognised as the Best Civil Aviation Authority in Africa at the Aviation Week Africa (AWA) Gala Night in Livingstone, Zambia. This prestigious award highlights the NCAA’s exceptional regulatory performance and commitment to aviation safety across the continent.

This recognition follows a multi-year transformation driven by regulatory excellence, institutional reform, and international credibility. A major milestone in this journey was Namibia’s performance in the 2024 ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), where the NCAA achieved an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 72.6%. This score surpasses both the regional average of 60% and the global average of 69.3%, solidifying Namibia's position as a leader in aviation safety oversight.

Equally impressive was the NCAA’s progress in aviation security. After scoring 72.06% EI in the 2018 USAPCMA Audit, the NCAA improved to 88.52% in the 2023 ICAO Regional Technical Assistance Mission, marking a significant improvement in aligning with international security standards.

Globally, Namibia has positioned itself as a respected contributor to the aviation sector. The NCAA chairs both ICAO and AFCAC working groups, underscoring the continent's trust in its expertise and governance standards.

To maintain its regulatory excellence, the NCAA is focusing on forward-thinking policies, strong quality assurance frameworks, and continued institutional investment. At the core of this strategy is the development of Namibia’s State Safety Programme (SSP), which is now 71% implemented. This programme promotes proactive risk management and data-driven oversight in all technical areas.

A key part of the NCAA’s operations is its Safety Data Collection and Processing System (SDCPS). This system has logged and assessed over 1,800 safety occurrences, enabling the NCAA to implement preventive safety measures.

Workforce development remains a strategic priority. The NCAA is collaborating with the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) to formalise aviation qualifications, ensuring that inspectors receive continuous training through ICAO and other international programmes. Advocacy for adequate budgetary support remains critical to addressing staffing needs and retaining skilled personnel.

The NCAA sees its role as more than just a national regulator; it aims to be a strategic enabler of Africa’s aviation future.

International collaboration is another cornerstone of the NCAA’s operational model. The Authority is actively involved in regional platforms such as AFCAC and SADC Aviation Safety Organisation (SASO), which foster harmonisation of standards and sharing of best practices. Seven NCAA inspectors participate in the Regional Safety Inspector Programme, an initiative crucial for ensuring continental safety cohesion. The NCAA’s influence extends further with a nomination to serve as Southern African Vice President to the AFCAC Bureau, strengthening Namibia’s aviation role across Africa.

On the regional front, the NCAA is finalising Search and Rescue Letters of Agreement with neighbouring countries to enhance cross-border coordination. Additionally, it is entering technical cooperation agreements with sister Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) to support mutual recognition of skills, data, and knowledge bases—key for regional harmonisation and technological advancement.

The NCAA takes a multistakeholder approach to service delivery, promoting inclusive dialogue and accountability. Its flagship platform, the Namibia Aviation Safety and Security Conference (NASSC), brings together industry players to assess risks and align on emerging challenges. Other communication initiatives include a monthly safety bulletin, active social media presence (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, WhatsApp), and regular updates on the NCAA website.

The Aviation Security Division maintains ongoing engagement with operators, cargo handlers, and airport authorities, ensuring compliance and outreach. Meanwhile, the Personnel Licensing Section (PEL) is expanding access to English Language Proficiency testing and introducing remote testing centres outside Windhoek, improving accessibility for all.

NCAA also works with academic institutions like UNAM, the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), and the NQA to integrate aviation training into the national qualifications framework. These partnerships are designed to ensure that regulatory standards are met from an early stage in professional development.

The NCAA is embracing a proactive approach to new challenges, such as Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Over the past year, the Authority approved 19 commercial and 351 private RPAS, demonstrating its ability to regulate emerging airspace users.

Digital transformation is also underway, with the introduction of systems like EMPIC, which manages certification, inspections, and surveillance processes more efficiently. This digital shift aligns Namibia with global regulatory trends and improves the overall efficiency of operations.

On the environmental front, the NCAA is aligning with ICAO’s Annex 16 and preparing for broader integration with the CORSIA framework. These efforts highlight the NCAA's commitment to sustainable development and aviation’s environmental responsibilities.

The Authority is also positioning itself for advanced operational approvals, such as Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and Electronic Flight Bags (EFB). Despite ongoing capacity gaps, particularly in training and local expertise, the NCAA is focused on making Namibia a regional leader in aviation innovation and environmental stewardship.

The NCAA sees its role as more than just a national regulator; it aims to be a strategic enabler of Africa’s aviation future. As a strong supporter of the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), Namibia is contributing to the creation of a more connected and integrated African aviation space. The NCAA has hosted the SAATM PIP Roadshow and continues to engage with AFCAC and ICAO to share regulatory frameworks and lessons learned across the continent.

Finally, the NCAA is investing in critical infrastructure projects, including the development of air navigation services. These efforts aim to improve capability and align with the Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP), ensuring that Namibia is well-positioned to meet future aviation needs.

By combining technical competence, cross-border cooperation, and a commitment to compliance, the NCAA is playing a key role in advancing Africa's aviation sector.